Easington MP Covid-19 Recovery Plan to Transform Local Housing

Easington MP Grahame Morris has called on the Chancellor to transform local housing as part of the government’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

In Treasury Questions, Mr Morris called on the Chancellor to invest in housing regeneration in Horden, Easington and Blackhall, highlighting the potential for housing to create jobs, training opportunities, sustain domestic supply chains and boost the economy.

Mr Morris is leading a campaign for government investment in housing regeneration in East Durham to tackle the issues of absentee landlords, poor quality housing and problem tenants.

Mr Morris believes the Horden Housing Plan, developed by Durham County Council, could be replicated in other areas and provides a blueprint for government to create jobs as part of the Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

Following Treasury Questions, Grahame Morris MP for Easington said:

“The government are looking for schemes to create employment and growth. Construction and housing supply chains are predominantly domestic-based, so for every pound spent, there is a multiplier effect throughout the economy.

In East Durham, we have experienced problems with absentee landlords allowing sections of our community to go to rack and ruin. At the behest of the then Homes and Communities Agency, Durham County Council developed a Horden Housing Plan, which includes an option for full-scale housing regeneration.

These plans can be replicated across East Durham, in Blackhall and Easington, providing long term jobs and training opportunities. The government are making numerous spending commitments to support the economy. In comparison, a rather modest investment in East Durham could significantly transform our area and improve the lives and well being of local people.”